BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) Practice Test 2025 - Free BMAT Practice Questions and Study Guide

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What happens to the frequency of a source when it moves towards an observer?

It remains constant

It appears higher

When a source of sound or light moves towards an observer, the frequency of the waves produced by the source appears higher to the observer than it is at rest. This phenomenon is known as the Doppler effect. As the source approaches, the waves are compressed, meaning they take less time to reach the observer compared to when the source is stationary. Consequently, the observer receives the waves more frequently, resulting in the perception of a higher frequency.

This effect can be observed in everyday life, for instance, when an ambulance with its siren on moves towards you; the siren sounds higher in pitch as it approaches, then drops to a lower pitch as it moves away. The change in frequency is particularly significant in scenarios involving a relative motion between the source and the observer, reinforcing the principle that relative motion impacts the wave characteristics.

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It appears lower

It becomes non-detectable

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